Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Almost Human
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Lillian Roberts
Class/Genre: Mystery Medical Veterinarian Woman Main Character
Series: Andi Pauling
Fawcett, Oct 1998, $5.99, 278 pp.
Potentially suffering from a health disorder that might never materialize, one can understand why veterinarian Andi Pauling cares so much for animal and human life. A former client, whose dog she once saved, summons Andi to her home. The once arrogant Gilda Hopkins lies emaciated and in severe pain as she is dying. Gilda is ready for death, but her daughter Alexandra threatens anyone who is willing to help the woman die with a lawsuit. Gilda pleads with Andi to end her life since being a paraplegic she is incapable of preforming the deed.
Andi is appalled at the request, but also remembers the pain her mother had to endure before dying. She puts off any final decision, but in the interim Gilda dies. Alexandra accuses Andi of killing her mother and is ready to back her words with a lawsuit. Andi knows that she must uncover the truth even though she might find her very life in jeopardy.
ALMOST HUMAN is a powerful work that delves into one of the most controversial social issues confronting today's society. Without preaching, Lillian Roberts explores how far we should go to prolong life. The protagonist seems real. even when she is willing to venture down a moral road much higher than the law. This complex novel is impossible to forget as it treats dying with a degree of dignity and humanity that is rarely seen in a work of fiction. Don't be squeamish and ignore this book because readers will come away feeling good about life in spite of the difficult subject.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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